As the Azzurri floundered and failed in South Africa, it was left to the Azzurrini to provide the Italian nation with something at cheer about or at the very least restore some national pride, which they managed to do, and even more so if it weren’t for the great German machine.

Heading to the European U21 Championships in Sweden, the Italy U21 side were the favourites, along with England and Spain U21’s. Boasting an unbeaten qualifying record and an impressive group of youngsters, more of whom have been tried and tested this season in Serie A, the omens looked positive for the Azzurrini, who have won this tournament a record five times.

Several of coach Pierluigi Casiraghi’s players have this season broken through in for their respective Serie A clubs, Marco Motta has made the right-back slot at AS Roma his own, Domenico Criscito and Salvatore Bocchetti are stalwarts of the Genoa defence, Claudio Marchisio has shown for Juventus he can dominate a midfield, while the front trio of Sebastian Giovinco, Robert Acquafresca and Mario Balotelli are a fearsome prospect for any defence in Europe.

In a group that contained hosts Sweden, Serbia and Belarus, a semi-final place was all but assured for the Azzurrini, however a nil-nil draw with Serbia in the opening game may have led to some furrowing of eyebrows among the Italian nation. But, the positive from an opening day performance were that this U21 side looked a very exciting prospect coupled with some truly excellent players.

In the following game against Sweden the Italian defence held firm against an extremely talented Swedish attack, containing Marcus Berg and Ola Toivonin. A ten man Italy triumphed two-one, with two goals from Balotelli and Acquafresca assuring the Azzurrini of victory. Then a brace from Acquafresca propelled Italy from one-nil down to Belarus, to victory and subsequent first place in the final Group standings. A semi-final with unfancied Germany awaited.

Earlier in the day England played Sweden, and produced game of the tournament. Sweden coming back from three-nil down, only to lose on a penalty shootout. Italy vs. Germany had a lot to live up to.
Maybe lacking in goals the second semi-final was an enthralling game. German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer pulled off a string of top class, if unconventional saves as Italy totally dominated from start to finish, with only a momentary lapse that eventually cost them the match. Andreas Beck’s forty-eighth minute strike meant Germany would play England in the final.

Undeservingly the Azzurrini were dumped out of the competition. However, the performances of many Azzurrini throughout the tournament were a joy to behold.

The first to spring to mind has to be Giovinco, he terrorised defences in each match and unlucky not to get on the score sheet at all. It is clear from his performances, the ‘Atomic Ant’ is best used as a trequartista, operating just behind a front two. His incisive passing, endless running and eye for the unexpected led to him picking holes in all the defensive lines put in front of him. His attacking partners, Balotelli and Acquafresca had differing tournaments. Balotelli showed his amazing potential and tremendous skill, but also his fiery temper and ungainly attitude. Acquafresca on the other hand had a relatively successful tournament, bagging three goals and a man of the match performance against Belarus.

The midfield of Marchisio, Paolo De Cegile and Luca Cigarini demonstrated the benefits of a well balance centre. Combining defensive solidity and organisation with drive and creativity. Luca Cigarini being the standout pupil. His passing range, vision and set pieces distinct highlights, described as an heir apparent to Andrea Pirlo and on this evidence he is surly the only viable candidate.

For me, most praise must go to the defence. Andrea Consigli, Bochetti, Criscito, Marco Andreoli and Marco Motta were the most solid unit of the championship. Andreoli and Bocchetti were imperious as a defensive pairing, both acting as this own version on the ‘Berlin Wall’ they laid the solid foundation for many an Italy attack. Criscito was showing the form that has been with him all season. But it was Marco Motta who stole the show throughout the Azzurrini journey. Bombing down the right flank like a man possessed, as if single handedly wanting to claim the title for Italy. As team captain, showed authority and leadership, while containing opponent’s advances with precision timing and composure. This boy man (as Sir Paul would say) given a few years is certain to be attracting the interest of Real Madrid, who seem intent on buying the worlds best.

As the Confederations Cup left Italy desperate for any glimmer of hope internationally, a full-scale fireworks display blazed in Scandinavia. A few of these players could and should have been present in South Africa, where many others will most definitely be close to Marcelo Lippi’s thoughts. The future is bright, the future is Azzurrini.

Gazzetta dello Sport
Never an Inter like this
Thiago Motta: “With Ibra we can win the Champions League”
Galliani insists on Dzeko
Chelse come back for Pato
Ferrara puts Camoranesi in a diamond

Corriere dello Sport
Juve - Ledesma, contact
His manager has been called
The Laziale is an alternative to D'Agostino
Diamanti dreams of Inter
Lazio, Simplicio ready to return to Ballardini
Roma in ritiro from Thursday

Tuttosport
Juve decide everything
Torino and the three coups: Italiano, Bentivoglio and Belingheri
Inter in Belgium and Holland buying youngsters
Milan go for Huntelaar and Luis Fabiano
Sorrentino now sees Genoa
Drenthe and Cruz near Fiorentina

Sunday June 28, 2009 8:30am - sitting in my kitchen on the eve of Canada Day celebrations I'm not flipping pancakes or frying Canadian bacon, but being so unpatriotic as I sip my morning coffee reading the paper, pondering a fairytale finish in today's Confederations Cup final, for my American neighbours.

If you are not up to speed on events from the past week then you won't know the US Men's soccer team pulled off an upset Wednesday in beating Confederations Cup favorites Spain 2-0, the Americans booked a place in today's the final. This feat in itself is a huge accomplishment, which I am sure many within the US sports media are still trying to formulate an adequate response. This competition and sport normally garnishes only 10 second sound bites and back page reports on this side of the pond.

To the chagrin of anti-soccer types like Jim Rome, the US Men's team now concentrate on further greatness with promises of giving it their all in their first ever FIFA tournament final. "For U.S soccer, this is a very special day," U.S. head coach Bob Bradley said yesterday. "It's the first time we're playing in a final of a world competition like this, and to play against Brazil – everybody knows their history – is extra special."

US forward Landon Donovan has had a great tournament in my opinion and his words about today's spectacle, makes you believe another miracle can happen. "This is a big opportunity for us, and one we don't get very often, Donovan said. "There's no promise that we'll ever get back to a final like this, so we've got to try to take advantage of it. If we lose we lose, but we're going to give everything we have."


Will spirit overcome experience? After all team USA are facing an opponent they've only beaten once in 14 tries. The Brazilians are also seeking a record third title in this competition and know what is required to come out on top. True the Americans are playing tactically strong, as was evident in the victory over Spain but lets not forget they had the services of key midfielder Michael Bradley in that one and after a questionable red card in the 90th minute, Bradley will be missing for USA today. ( listen to Minute+5 pod Spain vs USA Review with Kartik Krisnaiyer)


A small amount of good news does exist for the Americans as Brazilian forward Luis Fabiano said he has flu and had trouble sleeping after the last match against South Africa with a fever. Best of luck my American cousins as you face the Samba boys from Brazil and take heart in knowing you are the singular reason why this year's Confederations Cup is an all-western hemisphere final, no Italy, no Spain. European football snobs eat your hearts out, as North America meets South America at, Ellis Park, Johannesburg 20:30 local time today.

Related Posts
The Kartik Report - Confederations Cup: The Shattered Myth of Western European Supremacy
MadAboutFutbol - Confederations Cup Final Is Set
LaLigaWeekly - Minute+5 Spain vs USA Post-Match Review II
The Third Half - USA 2-0 Spain Shows Its Potential

This episode Serie A Weekly Minute+5 guest Kartik Krishnaiyer and I take a look at Guiseppe Rossi, his success at the Italian national level and the disdain US national team supporters are voicing about this young man.

If you wish to download the Minute+5 pod and listen later,
right clicking the audio icon

UEFA European U21 Championships

Helsingborg, Sweden- the time was right for Robert Acquafresca Wednesday whose equaliser just before half-time was crucial in the defeat of opponents Belarus.

Acquafresca would go on to score the winning goal for Italy in the second half sealing Italy's success, in coming from behind to beat Belarus 2-1, finishing atop Group A to book a semi-final place.

The young Caligari forward was awarded the Carlsberg Man of the Match for his game-winning performance yet was quick to share the credit with his teammates,

"I'm very proud of this award but I have to thank my team-mates who created so many chances for me," said the player who netted 14 Serie A goals for Caligari last season.

"I could even have scored another but I mistimed my shot and missed the target. We are all very happy because reaching the semi-finals was our objective and we have earned some reward for two years' hard work."

Final Group Table

Group A
Jun 16 Sweden 5-1 Belarus Malmo
Jun 16 Italy 0-0 Serbia Helsingborg
Jun 19 Sweden 1-2 Italy Helsingborg
Jun 19 Belarus 0-0 Serbia Malmo
Jun 23 Serbia 1-3 Sweden Malmo
Jun 23 Belarus 1-2 Italy Helsingborg

P W D L F A Pts
Italy 3 2 1 0 5 2 7
Sweden 3 2 0 1 9 4 6
Serbia 3 0 2 1 1 3 2
Belarus 3 0 1 2 2 7 1

Group B
Jun 15 England 2-1 Finland Halmstad
Jun 15 Spain 0-0 Germany Gothenburg
Jun 18 Germany 2-0 Finland Halmstad
Jun 18 Spain 0-2 England Gothenburg
Jun 22 Finland 0-2 Spain Gothenburg
Jun 22 Germany 1-1 England Halmstad

P W D L F A Pts
England 3 2 1 0 5 2 7
Germany 3 1 2 0 3 1 5
Spain 3 1 1 1 2 2 2
Finland 3 0 0 3 1 6 0

Italian football has produced a long list of talented players who have become household names throughout the world. As one of the most consistently successful national teams in the world, Italy has won the World Cup four times as well as the European Cup, but it is often the flamboyance and passion of their players which take all the headlines. Paolo Rossi is one of the most famous names of the modern football era. He captained the Italian side to the 1982 World Cup, on the way winning the golden boot award for scoring six goals in the tournament. Pele has listed him as on e of his all time favourite players. Rossi scored twenty goals in forty eight appearances for Italy. Marco Tardelli, was another player well known to the footballing world. He played for ten years with Juventus, and won three European trophies, including the European Cup, as well as Five Serie A championships. Tardelli was well known for his tough tackling and stamina. He made eighty two appearances for Italy, and scored in the 1982 World Cup final against West Germany which Italy won. Marco Tardelli is currently the Assistant Manager of the Republic of Ireland football team. During the 1960s, Sandro Mazzola was one of the most famous Italian footballers. He was a creative inside forward who played for Inter Milan. Mazzola played in the 1964 European Cup final against Real Madrid and scored twice, and was in the same side the following season as they retained the European Cup. Sandro Mazzola played seventy times for Italy and scored twenty two goals. He was part of the Italian side which lost 4-1 to the famous Brazilian side in the 1970 World Cup.

Paola Maldini played until the age of forty one in a career which spanned twenty five years. He is considered by many to be one of the best defenders ever to have played football. His collection of winners medals is impressive and include seven league titles, five UEFA Champions League Cups and a FIFA World Club Cup medal. Maldini is the joint record holder as the most capped Italian player, winning a hundred and twenty six caps. One of the most technically gifted Italian footballers was Roberto Baggio. Although never winning a World Cup winners medal, he did help the Italians to second place in the 1994 World Cup, and is the only Italian ever to score in three World Cups. Baggio won the FIFA World Player of the Year, and the European Footballer opf the Year in 1993. Roberto Baggio scored two hundred and five goals in Serie A, thus becoming the fifth highest Italian goal scorer of all time. He also scored twenty seven goals in fifty six appearances which made him the fourth highest scorer of all time for the national team..

The greatest Italian player of all time goes back to the1930s era. Giuseppi Meazza scored two hundred and forty three goals in three hundred and sixty one appearances.. Meazza scored two goals on his debut for Inter Milan at the age of seventeen, and he still holds the record for most goals scored in a debut season with thirty one. Meazza played for Italy in the 1934 and 1938 World Cups which Italy won. He scored a total of thirty three goals in fifty three appearances for the Italian national side. For more football news, go to Carling Cup odds

Hi folks I thought I'd post some non-football related news after hearing this terrible story coming out of Iran. Please visit CNN or any of the major news networks and read about the young Iranian girl shot dead in the street by pro-Khamenei- pro-Ahmadinejad militia.

Here are several 125x125px icons I've come across on the web, bloggers I urge you to place one on your blog sidebar and spread the news by hyper-linking the story.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/21/iran.woman.twitter/

Special K

Things are not looking good for the Azzurri after the first-half as the score is, Italy 0-3 Brazil with one of those an o.g. off Dossena hmmmm.

For the first 30 minutes both teams struggled to create chances until Brazil turned up the heat and the style to score 3 goals in the final 10minutes before the interval.

Only good news for the Italians is Egypt are down a goal to the USA but even this isn't good enough as Italy now needs some goals of their own.

Your match-cast for Italy vs Brazil from FIFA if you can't view the third-party streamin.

LIVE feed at UStream below


Starting XI

Italy

Keeper: Buffon
Defence: Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Dossena
Midfield: Pirlo, De Rossi, Montolivo
Forward: Iaquanta, Toni, Camoranesi

Manager: Marcello Lippi


Brazil
Keeper: Julio Cesar
Defence: Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Andre Santos
Midfield: Gilberto, Melo, Kakà
Forward: Ramires, Fabiano, Robinho

Manager: Carlos Dunga


Referee: Benito Archundia Tellez

Goalscorers: Fabiano 37’, 43’ Dossena 44’ (o.g.)





UStream URL


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The final two Group matches of the Confederations Cup will be played this evening simultaneously,

Group B
Italy vs Brazil (at 20:30)
Egypt vs USA (at 20:30)

FIFA previews:

Italy-Brazil preview

Marcello Lippi's side now find themselves level on three points with the Egyptians, three behind their opponents on Sunday, which means that even if they beat Brazil they could still conceivably go out of the tournament. And as a look at the history books reveals, the Brazilians have a habit of dashing Azzurri hopes on big occasions, having won their two FIFA World Cup™ Final meetings in 1970 and 1994. read more...

Egypt-USA preview

Egypt head into their clash with USA in Rustenburg in high spirits, fresh on from a shock win over world champions Italy last time out. The Stars and Stripes, for their part, are suffering through a dreadful run of form and poor results here in South Africa, having lost both of their games thus far. read more...

Additional Comments

Looks like Lippi is going to make several changes to the Azzurri starting XI but I can't say I agree with all his choices, including replacing Fabio Grosso with Liverpool's Andrea Dossena.
I do like the potential switch from Gattuso to Riccardo Montolivo but don't like the obstinant decision of sticking with big man Luca Toni upfront with support of Alberto Gilardino and Mauro Camoranesi on the flanks.

Related Posts

This Minute+5 Dov and Kevin discuss Team Italia at the Confederations Cup in South Africa, the team's defeat to Egypt, manager Lippi's mistakes and will the Azzurri qualify for the semi-finals?...

This episode is the 11th with David Schiavone from Italia Football Fancast who is quickly becoming a regular at SerieAWeekly and to celebrate this is twice as long.

Minute+5+5 Azzurri On The Ropes



If you wish to download the Minute+5 pod and listen later,
right clicking the audio icon